CUA Hosts Films, Lectures March 27-30 in Celebration of American Composer's Music and Legacy

From March 27 to 30, The Catholic University of America will present a series of films and lectures about composer Aaron Copland, his music and his legacy. Coordinated by Grayson Wagstaff, musicologist and associate professor, the events are part of Aaron Copland's America, The Catholic University of America President's Festival of the Arts, which will include a series of performances from March 31 to April 8.

Wagstaff noted that "having such eminent scholars as Vivian Perlis, Howard Pollack and Jennifer DeLapp on campus will be a great opportunity for our students.

"Perlis worked closely with Copland for a number of years, while Pollack has published one of the most important studies of Copland's music," he added. "DeLapp is one of the outstanding young scholars who study the broader cultural and sociological issues that affected Copland."

For more information about "Aaron Copland's America," call 202-319-5416. The films and lectures are free and open to the public. CUA is located at 620 Michigan, N.E., Washington, D.C.

Monday, March 274 p.m., Lecture by renowned Copland scholars Vivian Perlis and Howard Pollack
Perlis and Pollack will give a joint lecture about Copland's life and legacy. Music historian Perlis co-wrote with Copland his two-volume memoirs: "Copland: 1900-1942" and "Copland Since 1943." Pollack is the author of "Aaron Copland: The Life and Work of an Uncommon Man."
John Paul Hall, Ward Hall, Catholic University

Tuesday, March 2810:30 a.m., Lecture and Film Screening: "Aaron Copland: A Self-Portrait"
Vivian Perlis will give a brief talk about her work on the 1985 film, "Aaron Copland: A Self-Portrait." The movie, which Perlis created with documentary filmmaker Allan Miller, will be shown directly afterward. The film features Copland music, including ballet sequences with Agnes de Mille dancing in Rodeo and Martha Graham in Appalachian Spring; scenes of Copland conducting; and interviews with composers Leonard Bernstein and Ned Rorem.
Ward Hall, Choral Room, Catholic University

7:30 p.m., Film Screening: "Of Mice and Men" Copland earned two Academy Awards for the score of the 1939 movie by director Lewis Milestone. The movie, based on the book by John Steinbeck, stars Burgess Meredith and Lon Chaney Jr. as migrant workers George and Lennie who struggle for the American Dream during the Great Depression.
Gowan Hall Auditorium, Catholic University

Wednesday, March 297:30 p.m., Film Screening: "The Red Pony"The 1949 classic, also directed by Milestone, features a score by Copland. Based on the novel by John Steinbeck, the film is set in Salinas Valley, Calif., where Tom, a boy of about 10, is confronted with loss and responsibility after he acquires his own pony.
Gowan Hall Auditorium, Catholic University

Thursday, March 3012:10 p.m., Lecture: "Copland, Politics and the American Audience"Jennifer DeLapp, assistant professor of music at the University of Maryland, will give a talk titled "Copland, Politics and the American Audience."
Ward Hall, Room 211, Catholic University

7:30 p.m., Film Screening: "The Heiress"Jennifer DeLapp will introduce the 1949 movie that earned Copland an Academy Award for Best Music. Directed by William Wyler, the movie is based on Henry James' book, "Washington Square," about a shy young woman who, in her father's eyes, is overshadowed by her dead mother.
Life Cycle Institute Auditorium, Catholic University

MEDIA: To cover the festival films and lectures, contact Katie Lee or Chris Harrison in the Office of Public Affairs at 202-319-5600.